Councillors have called for action to stop a threat to local democracy.

Men accused of intimidating voters at last May's Highfield election were aquitted in court this week, but councillors have called for action to make sure democracy is protected.

Councillor Andy Mudd, who was acting as Labour party teller on May 6 last year, says although he accepts the magistrate's decision he still has misgivings.

"My concern still remains that the Conservative Party conducted itself badly on that day. I said at the time they declared war on democracy and I hold to that."

As he spoke out local Conservative agent, John Galvin, told of his delight that the Tory candidate and his aides have been cleared.

He says: "We think it was an attempt by Labour to besmirch our candidate." He adds: "If you recall I jumped up and down when this first hit the fan back in May and I don't take back what I said then.

"I think a situation probably developed and it was blown up and exploited out of all proportion to cast aspersions on our candidate.

"This year we shall ensure that there is absolutely no way that such allegations can be made again."

Immediately after the court case which finished on Tuesday Arshad Majeed, Conservative candidate and brother of one of the accused, Asgar Majeed, called for the resignation of Cllrs Mudd and Thorne. Both coucillors have stated they will not be resigning.

Cllr Thorne says: "The police requested me to be a witness at a case that they were bringing and that's what I have done."

He adds that to be asked to resign for helping the police is a sad thing.

Like Cllr Mudd, Cllr Thorne, who won the election on May 6, accepts the magistrate's verdict but still has concerns.

He says: "People should be allowed to vote without fear or favour for whatever party and they shouldn't be intimidated going either to or from the polling station."

Both Cllrs Mudd and Thorne emphasised that they only complained to the returning officer and say that the case was brought by the police.

Keighley MP, Ann Cryer, says: "I can perfectly understand the magistrate's view.

She adds: "I was there and I saw a great deal of what was going on and I thought what was going on was intimidating. I hope that the fact that they were taken to court will be sufficient to ward off people from doing this sort of thing in the future."

Arshad Majeed, last May's Tory candidate, says: "The outcome of the trial was dependent on the evidence of the presiding officer, David Simpson, Cllr Barry Thorne and Cllr Andy Mudd and that evidence has obviously been proven inaccurate."

A spokesman for Bradford Council says: "Following a consultant's report into the running of the 1998 elections, the Council implemented in full over 25 recommendations last year.

"As part of an ongoing review process, the returning officer for the elections meets with all party leaders before each election to consider what improvements can be made."

Election charges acquittal see Page 3

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